Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on July 22, 2026, that he will review the government’s early prisoner release scheme. The move follows public and political backlash regarding the potential release of two men involved in the 2019 killing of police officer PC Andrew Harper, whose mother described the policy as an “insult.”
The Review of Early Release Policies
Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that he has spoken with the new Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, to initiate a formal review of the current early release scheme. The policy, which was implemented to combat severe prison overcrowding, has come under intense scrutiny due to its application in high-profile criminal cases.
Speaking to reporters in Bath, the Prime Minister acknowledged the difficulty of balancing prison capacity with public expectations for justice. I can’t say that I can change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward,
Burnham said. He further committed to a thorough examination of the framework, stating, I want to assure myself that everything has been looked at before this policy proceeds, and I can give that assurance that every single part of this I will look into with the justice secretary.
Reaction to the Case of PC Andrew Harper
The review follows significant public distress over the potential release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers. Both men were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 for their roles in the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper, who was dragged behind a getaway car in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. While the driver, Henry Long, is not eligible for early release, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that Cole and Bowers may qualify to be released after serving half of their 13-year sentences.
“It makes me feel sick. Andrew’s life doesn’t get to come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult.”
Debbie Adlam, mother of PC Andrew Harper
Addressing these concerns, the Prime Minister noted the sensitivity of the situation. On the broader issue, I feel for the family, it’s an appalling crime that was committed,
Burnham stated. The main perpetrator will not be subject to any early release. Of course, others involved have potentially been identified.
Context of the Sentencing Act 2026
The early release scheme is a component of the Sentencing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent in January. Government officials have consistently defended the legislation as a necessary measure to prevent a total collapse of the criminal justice system. Earlier, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander addressed the public concerns, emphasizing that the most dangerous offenders—including those serving life sentences or extended determinate sentences—are specifically excluded from these early release provisions.
According to reporting from the BBC, the prison estate has faced chronic overcrowding for years. The current administration, which took power in 2024, inherited a system where, as one Ministry of Justice spokesperson described, the country was facing a prison crisis and a total breakdown of law and order, with judges ordered to stop jailing dangerous criminals.
Arguments for Legislative Necessity
Justice minister Jake Richards previously argued that the legislation is essential for the continued operation of the courts. Without the Sentencing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent in January, the courts would be at risk of grinding to a halt, preventing sex offenders and others from being brought to justice,
Richards told the Commons last month. No space in prisons would mean no trials, no justice for victims and no punishment for offenders.
Under the act, prisoners on standard determinate sentences may be released after serving one-third of their term, while those convicted of violent or sexual offenses are eligible at the halfway point. All individuals released under these conditions are subject to strict monitoring, including the use of electronic tagging.
Uncertainty Regarding Future Policy Adjustments
While the Prime Minister has committed to a review, the extent to which the policy might be amended remains unclear. The government maintains that it is working to increase capacity, claiming it is building prison places at the fastest rate since the Victorian era. However, the tension between managing the prison population and ensuring justice for victims’ families persists as a central challenge for the administration. Further statements regarding the outcome of the review are expected in due course.
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